Since Linus wrote Linux there have been an incredible amount of different distribution and for as long as there have been different distributions of Linux there have been fan-boys for each different distro. With these fan-boys, comes the paradox of each one telling you which is the best Linux distribution and why other distros are garbage. Bashing like this is not only part of the Linux community, but is a part of communities spanning all Operating Systems all around the globe. Cross OS debates have been common for quite some time (Linux vs Windows and Mac vs Windows being the most popular).
This does nothing positive.
I would go as far to say that it is a negative force getting progressively worse. The concept of bashing is particularly bad when it comes to these debates. You will get no logic discussion from insults. This will do harm to where newer users do not actually understand the real flaws in an OS/Distro and will not use it anyways. Also it can be simply misguiding when it comes to understanding the best elements or Pros and Cons of any specific Operating System or Linux Distribution.
But the Distro Wars embodies more.
When ignoring the bashing and spewing insults you can receive on select IRC channels caused by arguing about different distros, there is a more constructive side. As stated before, there are an incredible amount of different Linux Distributions out there.
Linux Distro Timeline - Right-Click, View Image for the full view.
There are distros based off distros which are based off distros, etc. Sites like DistroWatch love this, because each new distro and distro update allows them new content. People looking for specific Linux distros without much computer skills (Scientists, Artists, Musicians, etc) can find many different ones suiting there needs.
Is this positive though?
Since there are so many needs and all distros and Operating Systems do something different, there has to be some good coming from having so many different Distributions of Linux. But that can easily promote bad habits. Newer Linux Users might start trying to find the exact Linux distro for their needs instead of learning how to customize for their needs, making them more lazy on truly learning about Linux. Also having so many different distribution could move work away from keeping bigger distros stable, which would effect the large amount of ditros based on it.
Concluding Thoughts.
On a base overview of the Distro Wars it seems like it is doing more harm then good. But when it comes to the bashing, there is the flip side where users explain logically why its not a good idea to use a specific distro. Because in truth it really depends on what you are looking to do, and what you want with your Operating System.
This is only Part I, I will make sure to touch on topics I missed and provide updates in the near future.
Thoughts and Opinions on the Distro Wars, Part I
Since Linus wrote Linux there have been an incredible amount of different distribution and for as long as there have been different distributions of Linux there have been fan-boys for each different distro. With these fan-boys, comes the paradox of each one telling you which is the best Linux distribution and why other distros are garbage. Bashing like this is not only part of the Linux community, but is a part of communities spanning all Operating Systems all around the globe. Cross OS debates have been common for quite some time (Linux vs Windows and Mac vs Windows being the most popular).
This does nothing positive.
I would go as far to say that it is a negative force getting progressively worse. The concept of bashing is particularly bad when it comes to these debates. You will get no logic discussion from insults. This will do harm to where newer users do not actually understand the real flaws in an OS/Distro and will not use it anyways. Also it can be simply misguiding when it comes to understanding the best elements or Pros and Cons of any specific Operating System or Linux Distribution.
But the Distro Wars embodies more.
When ignoring the bashing and spewing insults you can receive on select IRC channels caused by arguing about different distros, there is a more constructive side. As stated before, there are an incredible amount of different Linux Distributions out there.
Linux Distro Timeline - Right-Click, View Image for the full view.
There are distros based off distros which are based off distros, etc. Sites like DistroWatch love this, because each new distro and distro update allows them new content. People looking for specific Linux distros without much computer skills (Scientists, Artists, Musicians, etc) can find many different ones suiting there needs.
Is this positive though?
Since there are so many needs and all distros and Operating Systems do something different, there has to be some good coming from having so many different Distributions of Linux. But that can easily promote bad habits. Newer Linux Users might start trying to find the exact Linux distro for their needs instead of learning how to customize for their needs, making them more lazy on truly learning about Linux. Also having so many different distribution could move work away from keeping bigger distros stable, which would effect the large amount of ditros based on it.
Concluding Thoughts.
On a base overview of the Distro Wars it seems like it is doing more harm then good. But when it comes to the bashing, there is the flip side where users explain logically why its not a good idea to use a specific distro. Because in truth it really depends on what you are looking to do, and what you want with your Operating System.
This is only Part I, I will make sure to touch on topics I missed and provide updates in the near future.